Police praise skills of special constables

Chief officer Stephen Merrett said: “The training has been developed and enhanced to a very high standard and has been adopted nationally.

“The skills that our special constables have mean that they can now police at football matches, drive marked police cars and use the blue lights and sirens to stop vehicles on the roads.

“The job certainly makes you feel that you are helping to give something back to your community and doing something about local issues.”

South Yorkshire Police has 240 specials giving up 16 hours a month. To volunteer, see www.southyorks.police.uk.